Videos

Author Zachary Karabell looked at the history of private investment firm Brown Brothers Harriman and its role in American wealth. This virtual event was hosted by the Museum of American Fina…

Author John Wasik revealed Abraham Lincoln’s legacy as the developer of an economic ladder to democracy through national transportation, public education, and market access. This was a virtu…

In a talk titled, “The Hamilton Scheme: Enemies and Allies in the Creation of an American Economy,” historian and author William Hogeland discussed Alexander Hamilton’s financial ideas. Mr. …

Professor Robert Wright talked about Alexander Hamilton’s views on national debt and imagined how the Founding Father would address U.S. debt in the 21st century.

Matthew Algeo recounted the secret surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from President Grover Cleveland in June 1893, during one of the worst economic moments in American history. The surgery…

Economic consultant Nicholas Sargen provided a history of JPMorgan, from its status as a universal bank in the 1980s, to its buyout by Chase in 2000, to the changing of its business model fo…

History professor Shennette Garrett-Scott discussed the period of Black financial innovation between 1888 and 1930 and its impact on U.S. capitalism through the story of the St. Luke Bank in…

University of Virginia Business Professor Ed Freeman discussed the focus on responsibility and ethics that he says unites influential businesses. This virtual event was hosted by the Museum …

Author Gregory May talked about Albert Gallatin, who served as the nation’s fourth Treasury Secretary from 1801-1814. He explored Mr. Gallatin’s early political career, his overhaul of Alexa…

Alexander Hamilton biographer and chair of the Museum of American Finance Richard Sylla discussed Hamilton’s views on the National debt and fiscal responsibility, and compared those views to…

T.J. Stiles talked about his book The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt (Knopf; April 21, 2009). In his book Mr. Stiles recounts the life of Cornelius Vanderbilt, who was c…

Norton Reamer and Jesse Downing talked about their book, Investment: A History. Topics included retirement, fraud, democratization, and advancing public policy, among others.

Margaret Oppenheimer talked about her book, The Remarkable Rise of Eliza Jumel: A Story of Marriage and Money in the Early Republic. Born into poverty, Eliza Jumel became one of the richest …

Artist Joel Iskowitz provided historical insight and told the stories behind designing a congressional gold medal. He outlined the concept, execution phases, and the ceremonies for the highe…

Bruce Smart talked about banknotes from 1861 to 1928. He spoke about the people depicted on banknotes as well as legislation that changed who could appear on currency. Smart showed a number …

Michael E. Newton talked about his book, Alexander Hamilton: The Formative Years, about the early life of the Founding Father from the West Indies. Mr. Newton talked about his research proce…

Mary Pilon talked about her book, The Monopolists: Obsession, Fury, and the Scandal Behind the World’s Favorite Board Game, about the origins of the board-game Monopoly. Ms. Pilon refutes th…

Nicholas Wapshott talked about his book The Sphinx: Franklin Roosevelt, the Isolationists, and the Road to World War II, in which he recounts the role that President Franklin D. Roosevelt pl…

David Cowen talked about how Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin funded the War of 1812. On June 18, 1812 the United States officially declared war for the first time when President Madison s…

Miguel Perez-Santalla talked about the role of silver in the U.S. economy in the 19th century. He spoke about the changes in both U.S. and international markets that contributed to the shift…